BSc (Hons) Computer Science

Overview

Our BSc Computer Science degree focuses on constructing robust and usable systems. As well as looking at cutting edge tools and techniques, it’s designed to help you build the next generation of software tools that other system constructors will use. The course aims to give a well-integrated balance of theoretical underpinnings and practical experience, strongly informed by the research expertise of our academic staff.

All year 3 students take part in a year-long group project, where they co-operate in tackling a large, realistic problem. Year 4 students conduct a major, year-long, individual dissertation project.

You can take advantage of our international campuses by taking part in an Inter-Campus Transfer. This gives you the opportunity to study computer science at our Dubai campus for a semester or a year.

Why study computer science at Heriot-Watt University?

• As one of the first universities in the UK to offer undergraduate degree programmes in computing, we provide outstanding education in computer science, computer systems, software engineering and information systems. All our programmes are strongly informed by cutting edge research and close liaison with industry and are delivered by renowned academics who are experts in their field.
• We are one of Scotland's most international universities: around a third of our students in Edinburgh are from outside the UK. We have exchange agreements with the Australian National University in Canberra. In addition, our BSc Computer Systems is offered at our Dubai campus, and Edinburgh students can apply to spend one or more semesters there via the Heriot-Watt's Go Global programme.
• We enjoy very strong links with the UK ICT sector, with representatives of more than 30 companies attending our Industrial Advisory Board. Much of our research is in collaboration with leading computing enterprises.
• All our programmes are accredited by the British Computer Society.
• The Department of Computer Science enjoys substantial support from the EU, RCUK and industry for our research in intelligent systems, interaction, and rigorous systems. We are partners in the world class Edinburgh Centre for Robotics and have cutting edge facilities for research into multi-processor systems. Much of our teaching is research led.

Careers in Computer Science

• artificial intelligence developer
• robotics engineer
• data scientist
• software developer
• site reliability engineer (SRE)
• security consultant
• development operations (DevOps) engineer
• cyber security analyst
• computer scientist
• application analyst
• applications developer
• game designer
• games developer
• programmer analyst
• e-commerce business analyst
• systems analyst
• technical support engineer